Treatments Recommended for Pink Eye

Pink eye is also known medically as conjunctivitis. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The inflammation can be caused by an infection, an allergy, or another type of irritant. If related to an infection, the condition may be caused by a virus or bacteria. Bacteria that commonly cause pink eye are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus. If the condition is caused by bacteria, a pus-like discharge from the eye commonly occurs. If a virus is the cause, the discharge is typically more watery. Signs and symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis include red eyes, swelling, and itchiness.

Usually pink eye will go away in 1-2 weeks without treatment. However, antibacterial treatments are important for reducing the duration of the infection, and also decreasing the chance of spreading the condition to other people. Antibacterials administered to the eye as an eye drop for treatment caused by bacteria include several drugs such as ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) and gatifloxacin (Zymar), sulfacetamide (Bleph-10), and bacitracin-polymyxin B (Polysporin). If pink eye is caused by a virus, an eye drop that contains a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant, such as Naphcon-A (naphazoline and pheniramine), may be used to alleviate itching and irritation of the eye area.